Frequently asked questions
Questions and answers
What a workshop costs, who can request one, how donations are used and how to reach us.
What is Inspiring Mindz?
Inspiring Mindz is a student-run 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Pleasanton, California. Students from FTC team 18466 Mastermindz teach robotics in Bay Area schools and with partner nonprofits in India. The team created it to continue its outreach, outlasting the team.
Who runs it?
The students of FTC team 18466 Mastermindz. Aadi Dahake founded the team in summer 2020 with a group of eighth graders. Team leads Aadi, Ashwath and Pratham run the Introduction to FTC Workshop.
What does a workshop cost?
Workshops are free. Ask us about yours with the workshop request form.
Who can ask for a workshop or a demonstration?
Schools, FTC and FLL teams, and community events. We have run sessions at high schools, middle schools, fairs, festivals and maker events, and online for students in India.
What ages and grades do you work with?
Mostly middle school and high school students, and rookie FTC teams. At fairs and festivals we meet children and adults of every age.
Where do you work?
Mostly in the Bay Area, in places such as Pleasanton, Dublin and Manteca. Online, we have taught children and students in Bangalore and Pune, India. In all, our outreach has reached 5 countries.
Is Inspiring Mindz a registered nonprofit?
Yes. Inspiring Mindz is a 501(c)(3) public charity. The IRS recognized it in October 2024, and the team announced it on November 16, 2024.
Are donations tax deductible?
Yes. Inspiring Mindz is a 501(c)(3) public charity, so donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. Our legal name and EIN are on the About page.
How can I donate?
Online donations open soon. Until then, email hello@inspiringmindz.org or message us on Instagram. The donate page has more.
How are donations used?
Our finance mission is to raise funds and engage in outreach to promote our team and expand awareness of FIRST and its mission. Our goals for 2026-27 include 4 or more local business sponsors, 5 or more STEM grants and a reserve of $2,000 or more.
How can my company sponsor?
Email hello@inspiringmindz.org or use the contact form. Sponsors are listed in gold, silver and bronze tiers. Our gold sponsors are Polymaker, SendCutSend, Google, fabworks and goBILDA. See every partner and sponsor.
How can a student join the team?
FTC team 18466 Mastermindz signs up new members through a recruitment form at our events. New members take 8 weeks of summer training in design, hardware or software. The team site has more.
Can you mentor our team?
Ask us. We mentor FTC and FLL teams, including 23279 Turbotrons, 23512 TeamX and FLL 57010 Team Rocket, and we have started two teams. Use the Mentor a team form.
Where can I follow your work?
On Instagram at mastermindzftc. The team's robots, seasons and awards are on the team site.